Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting November 10, 2016 Present: Marvin Collier, Alderman Bill Eaton, Bryan Fisher, Andy Hatley, Theresa Herrick, Tommy Hindsman, Mack Hollis, Terry Thomas Absent: None Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Students from ATU Recreation & Park Admin. Class Tommy Hindsman called the meeting to order at noon. Marvin Collier made a motion to accept the minutes from the September meeting. Theresa Herrick seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Old Business A. Aquatic Center Official Name-Committee Chairman Marvin Collier addressed the commission about the committee’s recommendation for an official name for the Aquatic Center. After considering numerous suggestions, the committee would like to name the facility the Russellville Aquatic Center. A motion was made by Commissioner Collier in favor of the recommendation. Bryan Fisher seconded the motion, and the motion passed. The recommendation will be presented to City Council. B. Russellville Skate Park-Director Hollis reported that the gate at the Skate Park has remained unlocked for 6 – 8 weeks, as discussed in the September commission meeting, and there has been no increase in litter or additional vandalism. A recommendation was made to continue leaving the gate unlocked. All commissioners agreed. New Business A. Aquatic Center Trail-In April 2016, Arkansas Tech University asked the City to assist in the development of the trail from the middle of the university campus to Phoenix Avenue next to the site of the Aquatic Center. Cost was estimated at $360,000, and ATU asked the City to pay $160,000. During the 4-12-16 commission meeting, the commissioners recommended the request be submitted to the City Council. After further discussions with ATU, it was determined that the funds requested would only be used for the ATU portion of the trail. Cost to complete the city’s portion of the trail to Phoenix Avenue is estimated at $137,450.00. Funds should be available to complete the project in March 2017 after the field lighting project at the Soccer Complex has been completed. Updates A. Parkway Connection & Old Shorty Trail-The Phoenix Avenue trail project was completed $36,000.00 under budget, and a large portion of the savings can be attributed to using parks department staff instead of contracted labor. The project was completed by funds from a GIF grant. A request was submitted to West Central Arkansas Planning & Development District regarding the leftover funds being used to complete the other end of the trail referred to as the “Parkway Connection” and to repair and overlay Old Shorty Trail. The Parkway Connection project will cost approximately $17,100.00, and the Old Shorty Trail project is estimated at $18,773.00. The request was approved, and work has already started. B. Russellville Aquatic Center-Slides were shown of progress made on the Aquatic Center. C. Recreation & Parks 50th Anniversary Celebration-The commissioners were reminded of the reception celebrating the department’s 50th anniversary on Tuesday, December 13 from 5:00p-7:00p at the Hughes Center. Everyone was encouraged to attend. D. Christmas Parade-The commissioners were reminded that the Russellville Christmas Parade will be held Thursday, December 1 at 6:30p. E. Pleasant View Lights-The field lights at Pleasant View Park have been cleaned and re-lamped. In addition, the boxes, contactors, and switching gear have been replaced with Musco Gear. This upgrade will most likely result in a decrease in electrical expenses. F. Monthly Report-The commissioners received a copy of the department’s monthly report. G. Upcoming Events-A schedule of upcoming events was given to the commissioners. The 2016 Hickey Pool Financial Statement was distributed to the commissioners. The meeting adjourned at 12:40pm.